Louisiana House Bill HB547

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Establishes a tax credit for qualified businesses that sell fresh food in an area designated as a food desert

Impact

The bill specifically impacts statutes related to taxation and economic development within Louisiana. By providing financial incentives for fresh food businesses operating in food deserts, it seeks to encourage the establishment and sustainability of these businesses, helping to alleviate food scarcity in areas lacking adequate grocery options. This could lead to improved health outcomes for residents in these areas as access to fresh produce, meat, and dairy products increases, thereby addressing both nutritional needs and economic vitality in impacted communities.

Summary

House Bill 547 aims to establish a tax credit program for businesses selling fresh food in designated food desert communities. The bill defines a food desert as a low-income area where a significant portion of the population is located far from supermarkets or large grocery stores. It seeks to incentivize fresh food businesses by providing them with a tax credit of up to 1% of their gross sales, or a maximum of $10,000, which can help to improve access to fresh food in underserved areas. The tax credits are aimed at businesses that maintain significant inventories of fresh food products and source a portion of their products locally.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 547 appears to be generally positive, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary step to support local economies and enhance food access for residents in food deserts. By promoting fresh food businesses, supporters believe that the initiative will lead to greater community benefits, including improved public health and economic opportunities. However, there may be concerns about the sufficiency of the proposed credit and whether the limitations on the tax credits could restrict the potential impact of the program.

Contention

While HB 547 has garnered support for its goals, some legislative members may raise concerns around the qualifications for the tax credit, such as the income limits and the requirements for sourcing products from Louisiana companies. Additionally, discussions may focus on whether the financial incentives are significant enough to stimulate meaningful investment in food desert communities. The overall effectiveness of this program will likely be analyzed post-implementation to assess its real-world impact on food accessibility and economic growth in designated areas.